My Journey Through the Sahara: Lessons From “Sahara Experience III”
I’ve just spent an unforgettable week in the Sahara with the members of “Sahara Experience III.” My intention was simple: to show others how different life can be. Sometimes, even I forget that everything I do, I do by choice. In nearly every situation, I have the option to do something different—or to not do it at all. I just need to live with the consequences of those choices.
This experience had me focusing on the little things we all complain about—the situations we wish could be different. But I reminded myself that, even in these moments, it’s my choice how I react.
The Reality of Choice in the Western World
What I often overlook is how sheltered and controlled life in the Western world has become. We hardly ever think about something as simple as a power outage, let alone face any true hardship. In my daily life, the worst thing that might happen is losing my internet connection. Rarely do I stop to think about people living without the luxuries of technology, who have to deal with the raw forces of nature.
Sandstorms in the Sahara: A Humbling Experience
After arriving in M’Hamid a week ago, the sun greeted us warmly, but soon the weather shifted. A sandstorm began to roll in, and I figured it was just a passing storm, something that would blow over in a few hours. And it did. But the following morning, as we headed deeper into the desert, the sandstorm returned—this time with force.
That’s when I felt something unusual for me: helplessness. I hated the sand. It got into my eyes, my nose, my lungs. All I wanted to do was hide, but there was no escape. We had to keep moving forward, directly into the wind and the sand. Even resting didn’t bring relief. Cooking felt like we were playing in the sand, and at night, the storm would slow, only to return with more force, filling my sleeping bag with sand. I’d wake up chewing on it, feeling powerless to stop it.
Nothing helped but to adopt a kind of stoic endurance. I kept moving, hoping the storm would eventually die down. On the third evening, it finally did. The sky cleared, and for the first time, we could see the stars. That night around the fire, with music and clear skies, felt magical because we knew it wasn’t something we could take for granted.
Embracing Life’s Storms and Calm
This experience reminded me of a larger truth: life isn’t always sunshine. Sometimes, challenges come, and you have no choice but to face them head-on. Hiding from your problems won’t make them go away. The only way through is to confront them, to push forward, and eventually, they’ll lie behind you. And when they do, the peaceful times that follow feel even more precious.
When you manage to keep this in mind, you live a happier life. It’s easier to appreciate the smooth moments when you’ve weathered the storms. I hope that, when everything runs smoothly for me, I’ll remember not to take it for granted—and always remain thankful for the present moment.
A Time to Reflect in Taghazout, Morocco
Now, I’m in Taghazout, Morocco, for a week. No sandstorms, nowhere to walk—just time to relax, organize my thoughts, plan ahead, and write. It’s a much-needed pause after the intensity of the Sahara, and I’m grateful to be here.